UCSD named tops in commitment to service

UC San Diego has been named the top university in the nation when it comes to commitment to service by Washington Monthly magazine.

The publication based its ratings on what “colleges are doing for the country.”

“Public institutions that serve a diverse population of students fare much better by our measures,” the magazine says.

Thirteen of the top 20 highest-ranked universities are taxpayer supported.

The top 10: UCSD, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Stanford, University of Texas (Austin), UC Davis, University of Michigan, Syracuse, Harvard and the College of William and Mary.

“It’s an honor for our university’s dedication to service to be recognized,” said Chancellor Marye Anne Fox in a statement. “UC San Diego strongly upholds our commitment to community engagement and public service as we move forward to advance the health and well-being of our region, state, nation and the world.”

UC San Diego was recognized based on three criteria: social mobility, research and service — which includes how many students participate in the Peace Corps. UC San Diego and the Peace Corps, both turning 50 this year, have partnered to bring 630 UC San Diego alumni as overseas volunteers.